Golden on the outside, fluffy on the inside, and customizable to your heart’s desire — oven baked potatoes are the ultimate comfort food side dish. Whether you’re serving them next to a juicy steak, stuffing them with your favorite toppings, or enjoying them simply with butter and sea salt, there’s something so satisfying about a perfectly baked potato.

This recipe is more than just tossing potatoes into the oven. It’s about technique — from choosing the right spuds to crisping the skins and fluffing the insides just right. The result? A potato that’s soft and steamy when you slice into it, with a crispy, salty shell that you’ll want to eat all on its own.

Preparation Phase & Tools to Use

To make truly great oven baked potatoes, having the right tools on hand makes a huge difference:

Baking Sheet: Provides even heat distribution and allows air to circulate for a crispier skin.
Wire Rack (Optional): Elevates the potatoes, allowing hot air to circulate all around them.
Fork or Skewer: For piercing the potato before baking — this prevents bursting and helps steam escape.

Tongs: Makes flipping and handling hot potatoes safer and easier.
Basting Brush: Useful for applying oil evenly over the potato skin.

Each tool plays a small but essential role in achieving that ideal combination of crispy skin and tender flesh. So don’t skip out on the basics — they’ll reward you with a better bake.

Ingredients for the Oven Baked Potatoes

Russet Potatoes: Their high starch content makes them ideal for baking, turning fluffy and light inside.
Olive Oil: Adds flavor and helps achieve that deliciously crispy, golden skin.
Kosher Salt: For seasoning the skin and drawing out moisture for extra crispness.

Optional Toppings: Butter, sour cream, shredded cheese, bacon bits, and chives add richness and texture.

Every ingredient here is chosen with purpose — from the right kind of potato to the toppings that take each bite to the next level.

How To Make the Oven Baked Potatoes

Step 1: Select & Wash Your Potatoes

Choose medium to large russet potatoes with firm skin. Rinse under cold water and scrub away any dirt, then pat them completely dry.

Step 2: Poke & Prep

Using a fork or skewer, poke holes all around each potato. This helps steam escape so the potatoes don’t burst in the oven. Brush them lightly with olive oil and sprinkle generously with kosher salt.

Step 3: Bake to Perfection

Preheat your oven to 425°F (218°C). Place the potatoes directly on a baking sheet, preferably on a wire rack. Bake for 45-60 minutes, depending on size, until the skin is crisp and the inside feels soft when squeezed.

Step 4: Fluff & Fill

Slice open the top and gently fluff the inside with a fork. Add butter, your favorite toppings, and serve hot.

How to Serve and Store Oven Baked Potatoes

Serve these potatoes as a hearty side or load them up for a meal on their own. They’re perfect for topping with chili, steamed veggies, or classic sour cream and chives.

To store leftovers, allow the potatoes to cool completely. Wrap in foil or place in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 4 days. To reheat, bake at 350°F for about 15-20 minutes or microwave in 1-minute bursts until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I get extra crispy skins on my baked potatoes?

Use a high-heat bake at 425°F and rub the skins with olive oil and salt before baking. A wire rack also helps air circulate.

Can I use other types of potatoes?

Russets are best for baking because of their fluffy texture. Yukon Golds or red potatoes work, but they’ll be denser.

Should I wrap my potatoes in foil?

Skip the foil if you want crispy skins. Foil traps moisture and makes the skin soft.

Can I bake potatoes ahead of time?

Yes! Reheat them in the oven at 350°F until hot. They’ll still have good texture.

What toppings go well on baked potatoes?

Classic choices include butter, sour cream, chives, cheese, bacon, or even pulled pork or broccoli and cheese.

Want More Potato Ideas?

If you love these oven baked potatoes, you’ll probably enjoy these other savory bites from the site:

Cheesy Ranch Potatoes — ultra creamy and full of flavor.

Sweet Garlic Chicken in the Crockpot — perfect alongside a baked potato.
Scalloped Corn Casserole — another cozy comfort side.
One-Pan Garlic Herb Chicken with Potatoes & Green Beans — a full meal with potatoes already built in.

And for even more ideas, be sure to check out my daily recipe pins on Pinterest at Life With Olivia.

Save This Recipe for Later

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dinner board so you can come back to it any time.

And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you go classic with butter and chives, or try something bold like pulled pork and BBQ sauce?

I love hearing how others make these recipes their own. Questions are welcome too — let’s help each other bake smarter.

Oven Baked Potatoes

Author: Olivia McKenney
Total Time: 1 hour

Yield: 2 servings

Print Recipe

Description

Golden, crispy skins with soft, fluffy centers—these oven baked potatoes are a versatile side dish perfect for any meal. Whether you load them up or keep it simple, they deliver delicious satisfaction every time.